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Chairman Robin Triggs, watches 1949 team member Tom Cashman, cut the
cake made for La Na Club to celebrate 125 years of the GAA. Tom’s
wife Betty keeps a close eye on proceedings in the backround.
• Review of the year so far
• A quick look at the juvenile year with Martin
Day
• Ladies football recap with Deirdre Culligan.
• State of the Union from Chairman Robin Triggs
• 1949 revisited
MATCH REPORTS FROM 2008 SEASON
Photos & reports from the year courtesy of Michael O’Brien
January
Brendan Crowley plays, while Ronan Power is part of Cork football panel
that win the McGrath cup.
February
Junior football leagues start with a sign of things to come as both
teams get off to winning starts. Both teams registered 3 wins for the
month. Seanie O’Keeffe is a selector as CIT claim Sigerson Cup.
March
Junior A football team first into championship action again when we
defeat Glanmire in Carrigtwohill on the 13th of the month. Both junior
teams remain unbeaten in the league, and the seniors also get the KS
campaign off and running. Our hurling campaigns also began in March.
April
Junior Footballers go out of championship after a disappointing defeat
to Castlemartyr in Youghal. Our seniors get off to a great start in
Championship by defeating O Donovan Rossa’s by a goal. Our Junior
Hurlers start their league campaign. Minor Footballers win their 1st
rd of championship beating Fr. O Neills. Minor Hurlers lose their first
round game and now enter into the new back door system.
May
Our intermediate hurlers lose 1st rd of championship to a Valley Rovers
team who would be our downfall again later on in the year. La Na Club
is held and is a tremendous success. Eoin Healy, Michael Russell and
Andrew O’Donoghue are all part of Cork minor football panel that
go out of championship after defeat to Tipperary.
June
An epic match in Páirc Uí Rinn leaves Aghada and Clonakilty
all square after an entertaining hours football in the senior quarter
final.
July
Kieran and Pearse play, Brendan Crowley is on the bench as Conor Counihan
manages Cork to 2 Munster titles in a row. J B hurlers beat Ballinacurra
in the first round of championship. A hard fought draw with Youghal
at the end of the month keeps them in championship till August. Our
Minor hurlers bow out of this years Championship after 2 epic games
against Donoughmore. Our Intermediate hurlers get back into the championship
via the back door thanks to an impressive win over Ballygarvan. In the
Senior Football championship we lose in a replay to eventual champions
Clonakilty.
August
A breathtaking win over Drispey in the Intermediate grade sees our hurlers
set up a semi final game at the end of the month against Valley Rovers
which we again lose & bow out of the championship at the penultimate
stage. After beating Youghal in the replay our second string hurlers
lose to eventual winners Midleton at the quarter final stage of this
year’s championship. Our Minor footballers also lose out in championship
when they go down to Millstreet. Our lotto is won by Ryan O Donoghue
who wins over €11,000.
September
The J B Footballers begin their championship with a good win over Cloyne.
Our U21 Hurlers lose to Cloyne in 1st round of championship. Kieran
and Pearse play as Cork footballers lose to Kerry in the All- Ireland
Final. Kilkenny win 4 in a row as they defeat Tipp an in great final.
Rostellan successfully plays host to the East Cork Junior A Hurling
final which is won by Castlemartyr.
October
Both our Junior Football teams and our Junior Hurling team qualify for
the league finals. Pearse O Neill wins an All – Star for his fine
performances in the Cork Jersey in ‘09. The Junior B Footballers
qualify for the semi final of Championship after beating Midleton, but
then lose the penultimate stage to Bride Rovers.
November
The JB hurlers lose league final to Watergrasshill on a 1-10 V 1-5 scoreline.
Pearse O’Neill plays for Munster who loses the interpro series
final to Ulster. The JA football league final is lost by 4 points to
Cloyne. A last minute free is pointed to give the JB footballers, after
an epic struggle with Castlelyons that went to extra time, the East
Cork Div 3 League title. (see picture below)
A WORD FROM OUR CHAIRMAN – ROBIN TRIGGS
In our 2006 review the then Chairman Jimmy O’Leary outlined a
major development that was about to take place at our grounds in Rostellan-“Development
Plan 2006 and Beyond”.
As we are now entering our 125th year in existence we can say from that
plan we have the following completed.
• Floodlighting; Running Track; Ladies dressing room; Walkway
around all pitches. Tarmacing of car park.
Nearing completion is the extra grassed pitch, which is presently being
given a period of time to settle before being seeded in the spring.
Thanks to Gerry Crowley, Jimmy O’Leary, and Conor Counihan who
with others have brought the Development Plan to where it is. This development
could not have been completed without the generous help of the National
Lottery, who have contributed in total €325,000. These funds had
to be supplemented by a local contribution. This was raised by a very
hard working finance committee who put local area teams in place headed
by a leader. This proved very efficient and with the local community,
friends of Aghada GAA, and the extended business community, we have
succeeded in arriving where we are. As Chairman of Aghada GAA club I
would like to thank everyone for their generous contributions and those
who worked tirelessly to meet their targets. A word of thanks to Willie
Savage for the efficient way the works were carried out. This year we
did some work around the main pitch. This work was carried out by club
members and others giving of their time to complete the work.
We ran a very successful La Na Club on the 10th May. A presentation
was made to the surviving members and representatives of those deceased
who won the East Cork Junior Hurling Final in 1949. A similar presentation
was made to members of the winning of the 1969 East Cork ‘B’
Grade Hurling Final
We were entrusted by the East Cork Board to stage the Junior ‘A’
Final. Members of the club put a big effort into having the field and
grounds in pristine condition for the occasion. The day turned out to
be a beautiful fine day with a good game won by Castlemartyr.
Thanks to all our team managers, selectors and especially our team players
who gave of their time freely to partake in league and championship
games in both Hurling and Football. Thanks to the Juvenile and the Ladies
Football Club who did tremendous work during the year.
During the year a number of former club members died. One of these was
Donie McCarthy who always gave great loyalty to Aghada GAA and who fundraised
for the Juvenile Section. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dilis.
To the members of the club who got married during the year, congratulations.
Finally congratulations to our clubmen.
Conor Counihan for the work he did with the Cork Senior Football Team
as manager and receiving Montenotte Hotel and Boardwalk Bar & Grill
Cork Sport Person of the month for April and the Phillips manager of
the month award for August.
To Pearse O’Neill, Kieran O’Connor and Brendan Crowley who
played with the Cork Senior Football Team during the year.
To Andrew O’Donoghue, Eoin Healy and Michael Russell who were
members of the Cork Minor Football Panel.
Congratulations to Pearse O’Neill for securing the following awards,
All Star, GPA, and Bord Gais Munster Award.
Club Chairman 2008/09
1969 champions honoured at La Na Club
1949 – Cups, Controversy, and Two Smoking Barrels
Liam Power was a great character. He was the local postman in the Aghada
region, and if ever a man suited a job and a job suited a man, this
was it. Sure he delivered the post, but he delivered much more, gathering
and bringing the news from house to house on his rounds. Many is the
more elderly person who looked forward to the visit of their postman
and not because they were waiting on any important letters. Many is
the younger person too, who always looked forward to a chat with Liam
O. He was well appreciated by his “customers”, and this
could be seen clearly in his eyes, and maybe slight stagger, when he’d
come home after doing his rounds coming up to Christmas! Liam loved
the craic. He liked the cards in Timmy’s as much for the craic
and story telling as cards themselves. He loved a flutter on the gigi’s
but always maintained that when it came to horses if it wasn’t
for bad luck he’d have no luck at all. He always seemed to have
the twinkle of devilment in his eyes, ready at all times for the ball
hop and the laugh it would bring.
When my own father passed away, myself and my siblings were still very
young, and it was left to Liam to teach us kids some of the less important
things in life like how to drive, but also some of the vital lessons
of life such as how to back horses, and how to “kill the picture”
and take your “dealers trick” in the game of 45. So it was
from this character that I first heard about 1949 and Aghada’s
Junior A hurling win of that year. I might have been about 15 and Liam
told me how he was playing corner forward on Aghada’s hurling
team in 1949. How they won the championship, but how later it was awarded
to the runners up over a technical objection of some sorts. So far so
boring for a 15 year old, but Liam’s stories were never boring.
Next came the good bit. He told me how the board came to Aghada looking
to take the cup back off them, but they were ran out of the parish by
a fellow Gellegher with a double barrelled shotgun, who told them if
they ever came back he would shoot them. Now he had my attention and
I had a story I never forgot. However, as I grew older I never heard
about ’49 from anyone else and as I grew wiser to the great personality
of Liam Power, I started to wonder did it really happen or was he just
winding me up. And then in recent years, I heard and learned much more
about that year. Sadly I never got the chance to talk to Liam again
about it. He was tragically killed in a car crash in 1996 on his way
home from supporting Aghada’s intermediates in the county semi-final.
His team were honoured this year at La Na Club in Rostellan and then
and there I decided I must get to the bottom of this story my friend
had told me all those years before.
I figured there were two men I needed to talk to - Michael O’Brien
who is doing incredible work finding and documenting our clubs history,
and Tom Cashman who was in all ways in the thick of the controversy
at the time. Armed with the written history from Mickey, I headed out
to Ballinrostig to have a chat with Tom. “How long will you be?”
asked the wife as I headed for the door. “Well”, I said,
“it shouldn’t take half an hour to cover 1949, so I’ll
be 2 hours at least!” I was wrong by about an hour, and no, I
wasn’t home earlier than expected! Tom Cashman could talk hurling
all day and about Aghada all night. But not just Aghada hurling. He
has great memories of the great hurlers he saw, be they from other clubs
in Cork or even from other counties. And he can recount their talents
as well as great matches he saw, even down to great scores he witnessed.
Not to mention a couple of interesting schmozzles he watched in his
time!
We start at the start. Did ye win the A championship out of the blue
or were ye fancied? Tom makes it abundantly clear that Aghada had a
great side that year, which they knew were contenders, even though back
then, unlike now, nearly every club was a junior side. Midleton, Sars,
Youghal etc were all junior, making it a hugely competitive grade. Tom
pulls out the picture of the team. It was taken in Bransfields yard
where they togged out for the final and to whose bar in Midleton they
retired to after the game for celebrations. He points to each player
in the picture and gives a line on them – He was a skilful hurler;
he was a tenacious defender; he was a super full back; he was a great
man to carry ball; he……well he’d split ya! I laugh,
but Tom tells me you had only 2 choices on the hurling pitch back then.
You either pulled or you got killed. That was just the way it was. That
was the reason there could easily be as many goals as points in a game.
No frees given. Very few either brave or stupid enough to leave the
ball in their hand too long. In 1949 Tom, at 20 years, was the youngest
on the Aghada team. On the day of the final against Leeside (they would
later become Erins Own); the position of wing back came down to himself
and Noel Day from Whitegate. Tony Ahern was Aghada’s star player
and also the club secretary, and while Tom was selected to play, for
some reason be it the excitement of the day or whatever, Noel’s
name rather than Tom’s, was written on the team sheet handed to
referee Mr. W. Campbell from Midleton. With about quarter of the game
to go, Tom got a crack just under his knee and had to be replaced. As
he said himself, if it had been anybody else who either got injured
or who came on as a sub, no one would have been any the wiser. But as
it turns out it was Noel Day who came on to replace Tom, and because
of the mix up with the team sheet it now looked like Noel Day replaced
Noel Day. The match finished. Aghada were worthy winners. Sean Ahern,
(Vera Sisk’s father) collected the Jamesy Kelleher cup as captain
and Aghada returned to Bransfields victorious. Tom says that the final
score was Aghada 3-9 V Leeside 1-3. Michael McCarthy, Patrick Cashman,
and Jimmy Walsh were the goal scorers, while the bould Liam O chipped
in with a point from corner forward. Tom told me Liam Power was a very
brave hurler, who would put his head where you wouldn’t put your
Hurley, which in the context of the day must have made him a raving
lunatic!
From talking to Tom and reading the history the following seems to be
what happened next. Leeside lodged an objection to the East Cork Board
on the basis that Noel Day’s name appeared twice. The East Cork
board under the wise guidance of Tom Barry, a National school teacher
in Rathcormac, threw out the objection. They said it was just a technical
error; however they warned the secretary to be more careful in future
and fined the club £1. Leeside weren’t done yet however
and appealed this decision to the County Board. The County Board met
in Cook Street and along with Tony Ahern and Willie Ryan, Tom himself
went, in case any issue arouse about the legality of our players. It
never did however, but a vote was taken on the appeal. It would have
taken a 2/3rd majority to over turn the East Cork Boards decision. The
vote went 13 V 7 in favour of Leeside. Now mathematically this falls
just short of 2/3rds, however Leeside’s appeal was upheld and
they were awarded the game. To make matters worse, the E.C.B. secretary
never showed at the meeting and his vote would have made the difference
to Aghada. Suspicion has always surrounded the East Cork secretary’s
role in this whole affair and Tom Barry resigned as chairman of East
Cork over the County’s decision. The following year he contested
the outgoing secretary for his position and beat him.
Not that this was of any use to Aghada. They did play the 1st round
of the county, but with the distraction of the appeal, lost to Blackrock.
Ultimately, Leeside went into the record books as East Cork champions
for 1949. Aghada did get medals for this great team, but they had to
buy them themselves. Tom says they were presented with the medals early
the following year at a dance in Aghada. However he felt being stripped
of the title had a devastating affect on the club and that along with
immigration, it led to many lean years on the hurling fields.
So to bring a conclusion to the story Liam Power had told me, I ask
did he ever hear about a fellow Gellegher going around with a shotgun.
He never heard that he said, but he does remember that Mick Gellegher
was our delegate at East Cork. He was a fiery man, and at one noisy
meeting about whether Leeside should get the medals, Tom heard Mick
shouting across the room at the Leeside officials – “We’ll
pin them to ye, we’ll pin them to ye!!”
So it was back to Michael O’Brien, and the same question, did
he ever hear a story about a shot gun? He nods straight away. He tells
me he heard the same story Liam told me, many times and from different
people. He can’t say if it was true or not, but is confident there
is more than a semblance of truth to it alright.
You know, when I hear debates on current affairs shows, and some fellow
starts shouting out facts as if a fact can’t be argued with, well
it always makes me laugh. Here is what I mean. Fact – No matter
how I may wish it to be otherwise, I will never be in the company of
Liam Power’s stories, craic, good humour, and laughter again.
Fact – The records book show (with no dispute) that the East Cork
Junior A hurling champions of 1949 were Leeside. Now here’s where
it gets a bit confusing. Fact – As long as Liam’s family
and friends (and there are many) still walk this earth, and then I will
always be surrounded by his stories, craic and laughter. Fact –
in 1949 Aghada produced one of its finest ever hurling teams. They beat
Cloyne, Sarsfields and then on the 11th of September they defeated Leeside
in the final. Gathered in the middle of the Midleton pitch, in their
green and white striped jerseys and long white shorts, they are presented
with the cup, and are crowned worthy, deserving and undisputedly the
best East Cork junior hurling side and champions of 1949.
Now if there is anyone out there that still wants to dispute this last
fact…..well I’m sure we can still lay our hands on that
shotgun!
1949 Champions honoured at La Na Club
U21 Player Profile
Alan Creedon
Age: 21
Height: 5ft 8in.
Weight: 11 stone.
Occupation: Student.
Honours Won: U-12 East Cork hurling, U-15 East Cork hurling (x2) &
football, U-16 East Cork football championship, Minor football league,
Dr. Harty Cup 2006, U21 East Cork A football championship.
What is your earliest sporting memory: Would have to be Cork vs. Derry
in the 1993 All Ireland Final.
Do you remember your 1st big match as a supporter: Munster football
final 1999, Cork vs. Kerry?
Favourite Food: Thai & Martina Hennessey’s dinners.
Favourite drink: Heineken.
Who are your sporting heroes: Zinedine Zidane, Muhammad Ali, & Brian
Corcoran?
Who was the biggest influence in your GAA career: The Grandfather &
all the Aghada coaches up through the years, especially Seanie Keeffe?
What is your motto: Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee?
From within Aghada, name (in your opinion) the following:
Best to train: Bana & Trigger.
Quickest player: Kieran O’Connor & Da Skeleton (Fleming).
Most inspiring player you played with: Kenneth O’Keeffe.
Most Skilful hurler you played with: Paudie Wall, before he hit 18!
Most Skilful footballer you played with: Stevie Keeffe.
Hardest trainer you’ve trained under: Seanie O’Keeffe.
Aghada Ladies Football - End of Year Review with Deirdre Culligan
It was another busy year for the Aghada Ladies Football Club. With almost
120 playing members (70 of whom are U12) and with 6 teams on the go
we seem to be playing matches all through the year.
The junior team played their County league early in the year but unfortunately
didn’t manage to win any games. They struggled to get a team out
throughout the summer for the County Championship and another East Cork
competition. They played Watergrasshill on a damp October Sunday in
the East Cork Championship but despite their best efforts they could
not overcome them. We have great players on our junior panel but we
need more so all are very welcome. We are planning in putting a huge
effort into this team next year. As somebody said we have great players
but not a great team. That’s all about to change!! (If there is
anyone who is interested in helping us do this please let us know, we
need a coaching panel for the juniors for 2010.)
At the start of the year it was looking very dim for the U16s. Seven
of those who played in the County Final last year decided to give up
football. This left us very sparse on players but with a little bit
of persuasion we recruited five or six 12 year olds. Having had to forfeit
to Glanmire in the first league match we rallied and the girls got better
with each game. We reached the League “B” final in May and
took on the daunting challenge of Midleton. To our complete surprise
we were victorious!! Winning the B league however meant that we were
graded A for the Championship. We put up a great challenge against Fermoy
but it was not to be. Given the young players we have, we’ll be
back next year!
The U14s had a good year reaching the league semi final. Bride Rovers
got the better of them here and we were unfortunate to meet them again
in the first round of the championship
Our U12 team had a busy year in 2009, winning both the East Cork “A”
League and Championship. In the East Cork League, wins over Fermoy B,
Watergrasshill, Inch Rovers, St. Colman’s and Glanmire in the
group stage ensured qualification for the “A” League semi-final
against Bride Rovers. In extra time, Bride Rovers opened with a goal,
but the Aghada team spirit showed, as they came from behind to win by
a single point. Aghada faced Fermoy A in the East Cork “A”
League Final. Aghada built up a substantial lead in the first half;
Fermoy battled back in the second half but were unable to close the
gap. The East Cork “A” Championship started with a quarter-final
victory over neighbouring St. Colmans. A tough semi-final defeat of
Bride Rovers setup a meeting with Fermoy A in the Final. In a very tight
match that could have gone either way with two very determined teams
Aghada managed to hold their lead in the second half and emerged victors.
There was a panel of over 30 U10's this year. We played 5 matches in
the East Cork league and won 4 of these. We got to the semi-final against
St. Colman’s which we unfortunately lost but the girls played
a great game. We had a great bunch of girls and they always enjoyed
the training sessions. There will be about 15 of these girls moving
up to U12's this year and we wish them the best. Conor Phelan, who has
been training the U10's for the past few years, is stepping down and
we are all sorry to see him go. We would like to thank Conor for his
time, effort, and patience and hope to see him back sometime in the
future.
For the first time this year we had an U8 team. We had 13 U8’s
all who trained enthusiastically each week. They played one match and
had great fun. Well done to all.
Well done to Hannah Looney who won and All Ireland medal with the Cork
U14 girls and to Roisin Phelan who played with the Cork u16 ladies this
year.
We are almost finished now for 2009 and what a great year we had, even
where we didn’t win finals we did advance to the final stages
of the competitions making all the training worthwhile. Keep it up,
everyone keep training and enjoying your football. We will be back in
February and hopefully with even more success next year. We always welcome
new members of all ages. Girls born from 2002 back will be eligible
to join so encourage the kids. And adults its great fun, healthy and
they will make great friends. Our AGM will be held on November 30 at
the Club house and we look forward to a big turn out.
We would like to take the opportunity to thank all those involved in
the Ladies Football Club, the trainers, selectors, parents, and members.
Many thanks for all your help, the club wouldn’t exist with you.
We would also like to thank the Aghada GAA Club for the use of facilities
throughout the year.
Aghada Ladies U12 East Cork A double winners
A quick look at the juvenile year
U10 hurling – Partook in the U10 EC tournament in Rostellan.
U10 football – Partook in Brian Lotty tournament held in Mayfield.
U11 hurling – We lost EC semi final to Sars after coming out of
the group consisting of Russell Rovers, Killeagh/Ita’s and Carrigtwohill.
We won tournament hosted by Cobh defeating Carrigtwohill and Cobh.
U11 football – We won blitz in Killeagh after defeating Killeagh/Ita’s,
Kiltha OG, and Midleton in our group.
U12 B hurling – We retained our EC and County titles. We were
defeated by Russell Rovers in Willie Ryan Final. In the league we had
two wins from five.
U12 A football – We retained our EC title. We recorded three wins
from four to reach the league Final but were defeated by FON. In the
D section we lost to Glanmire in championship. We recorded two wins
from four in the league.
U13 A hurling – We lost 1st Rd to Killeagh/Ita’s
U13 A football – We were defeated in the Final by Midleton after
victory over Killeagh/Ita’s. We won the D East Cork defeating
Midleton in the final.
U14 B Hurling – We lost the Quarter Final of the championship
to Cobh. We had mixed fortune in the league. In Feile defeated Newmarket
but lost to Millstreet.
U14 B football – We were defeated by Glenville in Rd 1. Reached
League Final but lost to Youghal. Lost to Sliabh Rua in the Feile.
U15 B hurling – lost 1st rd to Youghal
U15 B football – lost Quarter Final to Russell Rovers
U16 B hurling – Lost 1st Round to St Catherine’s. We had
mixed fortune in the league.
U16 B football – Lost 1st Round to Glenville. The league produced
mixed results.
Congratulations to both Whitegate N.S. and Saleen N.S on reaching four
Sciath na Scol Finals between them. Whitegate Qualified for Boys and
Girls Hurling. The Girls won their first ever Camogie title. Saleen
N.S Hurlers played earlier in the year losing after a replay. The Footballers
were defeated later in the year.
The U12’s who repeated their East Cork double and retained county
hurling title.
Donie McCarthy – Walking on Air (1968 – 2009)
When we were very small boys, a game of hurling was arranged to take
place between Rostellan and Lr. Aghada. A very young Michael Lewis (maybe
12ish) was captain/ manager/organiser for Lr. Aghada, while Rostellan
were to be captained/managed/organised by a young, but even then mad,
Seanie O’Keeffe. But the real reason behind the game was one Donal
McCarthy. Even then the young Donie was an incredible ball hopper and
he had spent months telling Mickey that Rostellan would wipe the floor
with Lr. Aghada and that he himself would “take care” of
Mickey! All in good fun. But it built up a nice bit of rivalry for the
game all the same. On the day, the Lr. Aghada team were waiting for
half an hour on the pitch with no sign of Rostellan showing up. Then
they were spotted at the top of the driveway. Manager Sean O’Keeffe
had gathered them together in Rostellan and they had marched in single
file all the way into the GAA grounds. Much to the disappointment of
us Lr. Aghada lads though, there was no sign of Donie Mac. Why he was
late we never found out, must have been the search for a few bob involved,
but he did arrive down while the match was well underway. Lr. Aghada
were coasting to victory at this stage and Mac was on the sideline,
one knee on the ground, the hurley standing by his side in the pose
of an old style hurler, and shouting at Seanie. “Bring me on Seanie”.
“No Mac you were late”. “Bring me on Seanie, can’t
you see your making a balls of things!” Of course Seanie did bring
him on, but it didn’t alter the result and Lr. Aghada left with
the bragging rights which were, needless to say, all directed at Mac.
He didn’t mind. He just loved the craic, no matter who was on
the receiving end.
Even back then Donie Mc was an institution within Aghada GAA. And the
thousands of stories that recall his deeds were already gathering momentum.
He was Conor Counihan’s 1st aid man all year for the ’83
county U14’s and to every match he carried a small brown leather
suitcase for his 1st aid supplies. He can be seen in the video of the
final running in at high speed to an injured Aghada man. When he gets
there however he doesn’t actually do anything, the “suitcase”
remains closed and to this day people are wondering if there ever was
actually any “supplies” in the case.
Unfortunately for Donie his poor health meant he never got the chance
to play hurling or football for his beloved Aghada, but typical Donie,
he didn’t let this hinder either his involvement or enjoyment
of being a member of Aghada GAA. And if he couldn’t be in the
midst of balls hopping on the pitch, off it, any time there was a ball
hop, Mac was sure to be in the thick of things. Donie Morrissey and
all the Morrissey’s were always very good to Mac, and when Donie
MOR, would be elected to take charge of the Aghada hurlers at an AGM,
Donie Mac would be straight out to the pubs the next weekend. “Will
ya be involved with Donie MOR this year Mac?” “I will, and
to be honest with ya, you’re wasting your time trying to get your
game, I’ll see to that”. Then a big laugh and he’d
be off to his next victim to tell him the same thing. All good banter.
Then of course, he wouldn’t be seen till the week of championship
and knowing that he would get an almighty going over, he would stride
into the dressing room at its fullest and a big roar would go up attacking
him for only showing up 5 days before the big game. He’d quickly
tell one or two players they’re wasting their time training this
week and as the roar would get louder he be gone out of the dressing
room again.
In fairness to Donie, he was a great clubman and was always willing
to do the jobs that maybe other fellows wouldn’t have the stomach
for. He was a great fundraiser for the Juvenile club, more or less single
handed running a regular poker classic for them. A great man to sell
tickets, only himself and one or 2 others really sell the County Board
tickets on behalf of the club, and he is always looking at new ways
for fundraising, which he would gladly help out with. When our recent
€1,000 donation scheme was launched, Mac never had to be asked,
as he was on the phone to me straight away asking me to drop the forms
in to his home so he could fill them out as soon as possible. Donie
was also a great man to have on a gate at match day. You wouldn’t
get by him too easy, and on one occasion when an irate follower went
to drive through him at the gate, he quickly flung the barrier across
the car’s path and the poor man hit it with his car. Another time
I remember, he was given the task of manning the gate to the pitch for
a juvenile final, with strict instructions to keep a certain “disruptive
“lady from gaining entry to the sideline. Well this lady didn’t
take too kindly to being kept out and she strode around the outside
of the wire looking for another entry route. If she did, Mac followed
her like a shadow inside the wire and blocked her off at every turn.
What’s ironic about this is that while he was a mighty man for
applying the letter of the law to others, he never really felt that
the same should apply to him. He wasn’t so much a poacher turned
gamekeeper, as a gamekeeper who never gave up the poaching!!
For a man, given only a few weeks to live when he was born, what he
has done and achieved despite his illness, would put the rest of us
to shame. A bypass at 12yrs of age and a heart transplant at 22 and
still he was able to take part in sport which he of course loved to
do. He’s been to Italy, Australia, Germany, Bangkok, Helsinki,
Thailand and others representing his country at World and European Transplant
games, winning no shortage of Gold, Silver and bronze medals along the
way. He’s competed in race-walking, badminton, darts, 10 pin bowling,
and ball throw. 1997 was his 1st World championship in Australia. Unfortunately
for Mac in one of his early competitions, after 3 warnings he was disqualified
for not keeping at least one foot on the ground during the race walk.
Since then he’s had success after success at these games, but
Mac being Mac, always into the slagging, the Aghada lads never left
him live down that disqualification and he got a massive doing over
it. Don’t worry he gave it back twofold and as always it was all
for the laugh. He used to really enjoy telling Counihan that an All-
Ireland medal was all well and good, but he’d never know what
it was like to win at European and World levels!
Donie Mc was proud to be an Aghada man, and Aghada was always proud
of the man that was Donie Mc. He will be sadly missed by the club and
by all his friends in Aghada GAA. And whatever Saints will be looking
after him from now on, they should know they have quite a character
on their hands. Keep a close eye on him though, as he might not always
keep one foot on the ground!
Minor Player Profile
Eoin Savage
Age: 17
Height: 6ft 3in
Weight: 13 &1/2 stone
Occupation: Student
Honours Won: U12 EC hurling, 1 Willie Ryan, 1 La Tarattoria cup, U-16
E C hurling & football league, U21 A football EC, Minor football
league, EC championship and County.
Earliest sporting memory: Playing U8 indoor hurling in 1999.
1st big match as a supporter: Cork V Wexford in All Ireland hurling
semi final (2003 I think)
Favourite Food: Lasagne and chips.
Favourite drink: Bulmer’s non alcoholic cider
Who are your sporting heroes: Conor Counihan, Pearse O’Neill,
Roy Keane, and Ronan O’Gara?
Who was the biggest influence in your GAA career: Conor Counihan?
What is your motto: Cool, Calm and Collected. (C.C.C.)
From your Aghada team mates, name (in your opinion) the following
Best to train: Myself?, Paul Kilbane.
Quickest player: Josh O’Shea (Bullet).
Most inspiring player you played with: Brendan Crowley.
Most Skilful hurler: Finbarr Day
Most Skilful footballer: Stevie O’Keeffe.
Hardest trainer you’ve trained under: Seanie O’Keeffe
MATCH REPORTS FROM 2008 SEASON
9th June Evening Echo Senior football Championship
Aghada 0-14 Clonakilty 2- 8
A game that could have gone anyway but what heart Aghada showed going
two goals behind at stages and coming back to lead as time ran down.
We started the better with 3 points on the board before Clon knew where
they were. Fleming scoring two while evergreen Dave Creedon kicked a
sublime point. Back came the men from the west with 4 unanswered points
before Trigger replied to level the game. Then on the 15th minute disaster
struck when Clon rattled the net. A minute later Melvin replied with
a mighty point. Clon hit back to go three in front before Aghada hit
three in a row to level the game as the small whistle approached. But
the men from the west had the last say with a minor to lead 1-6 to 0-8.
On resumption Aghada made two changes bringing on Tom O’Neill
and Ger Hurley. Now Pearse thundered into the game as he settled into
centre forward. Brother Tom hit a great point to put his mark on the
game. Aghada started to move better now and the team seemed better balanced.
Then we leaked another goal. Now with a mountain to climb Aghada started
about their business. Our defence by now were on top led by Kieran O’Connor
(who gave his finest hour in an Aghada shirt) and it showed up front.
Points by the outstanding midfielder Eoin Healy, Trigger, and two from
Steve O’ Keeffe had the Aghada back in the game. Then on the 57th
minute Fleming put us ahead for the 1st time since the 10 minute Aghada
looked to be there, but a turnover gave the west cork men a chance of
a point and they took it.
Team
Andrew O’ Donoghue, Kieran O’Connor, J P O’Connor,
Brendan Crowley, John Wall, Paul Kilbane, Ronan Power, Pearse O’Neill
(0-1), Eoin Healy (0-1),Stephen O’Keeffe (0-2), Ronan Dwane (0-1),
Dave Creedon (0-1),Ger Melvin (0-1), Trevor O’Keeffe (0-3), Cian
Fleming (0-3),Subs Used Tom O’Neill (0-1), Ger Hurley, Shane Wall
, Michael Russell.
Intermediate Hurling Championship -7th of Aug.
Aghada 2-9 Dripsey 1-11
If Aghada’s display the last day was good this one was better,
playing like their lives depended on it, they hooked, blocked, and chased
ball that they had no right to win. This was as good a game as you could
hope to see. But boy did we live on our nerves. We won the 1st half
well when Pearse was at his brilliant best bagging two goals one a trade
mark solo and blasting to the net, we also landed 4 minors one each
from Trevor, Vincent, Fleming and the will of the wisp Stephen O’Keeffe
to leave us 2 goals clear after playing with the wind. 2-4 to 0-4 was
the score at the short whistle. To be fair to Dripsey it took some outstanding
defence work from John Paul who again covered himself in glory, as did
ever green Kenneth O’Keeffe who soloed the length of the field
to set up a point. Kieran O’Connor was also outstanding as was
Alan Morrissey.
On resumption the All Ireland champions set about their task with no
little self belief and had Aghada pegged back to 2 points after 9 minutes.
On came Michael Glavin, and what a contribution he made, as did John
Connelly who also came on as a sub. On the 43rd m Cian Fleming calmed
the nerves with a point but Dripsey hit back with two to make it a one
point game as we entered the last quarter. Aghada now upped their game
with the subs making a big impact 3 points in a five minute spell and
Aghada looked to be flying. Mike Glavin, the very influential Vincent
Morrissey, and Cian Fleming pointing. Back came Dripsey as they hunted
in packs and were finally rewarded with a goal on the 55m and now the
fat was back in the fire. But how we responded a minute later Brendan
Crowley landed the score to lead again as the count down began. How
Dripsey attacked and how we defended, ball after ball in a mighty tussle.
A few times the Mid Cork men got free but were stopped from scoring
by some fierce tackles. Then they sent the last ball into the square
only for a Dripsey hurley to touch it but with our hearts nearly stopped
the ball trickled past the post and that was that. Team - Martin Day,
Alan Morrissey, John Paul O’Connor, Kieran O’Connor, Paudie
Wall, Ger Melvin, Ken O’Keeffe, Stephen O’Keeffe (0-1),
Shane Wall, Cian Fleming (0-2), Vincent Morrissey (0-2), Brendan Crowley
(0-1),Finbarr Day, Pearse O’Neill (2-0) Trevor O’Keeffe
(0-2f )
Sub used. Mike Glavin, John Connolly, Tom O’Neill.
U21 A Football Champ’ship – Aghada 1-7 V Youghal 3-11 –
Wed 1st of April
Aghada travelled to Castlemartyr to begin the defence of their U21
crown last Wednesday, where they faced fellow seasiders Youghal in the
1st round/semi-final. Aghada though travelled with a huge injury list,
which was to make the task on hand nigh on impossible. Keeper Evan Kennedy,
fullback Conor Rice, wingback Alan Creedon, centre forward Michael Russell
and full forward Cian Fleming all failed to start. Fleming did appear
for 2 minutes mid way through the second half, but his injury forced
him off again. Added to this corner forward Mathew O’Connor was
severely hampered all through with a leg injury, although he still managed
to prove himself one of Aghada’s most effective forwards.
Youghal started the brighter, but despite dominating, had only one point
on the board, when a Finbarr Day free after Ronan Kennedy was fouled
brought the sides level at a point a piece on 10 minutes. Both sides
swapped two points in the next 6 minutes. Another free from Day, this
time after O’Connor was fouled, and a Josh O’Shea strike
from play were the Aghada scores. Now however Youghal’s dominance
began to tell and they hit 5 unanswered points to lead 8 – 3 approaching
half time. However Aghada always looked capable of creating scores them
once they got the ball into the forwards. Wing back Shane Wall scored
a super individual point on 29 minutes and from the kick out a fine
Aghada move saw Kennedy set up O’Connor who blazed just over the
bar for another minor. No sooner were Aghada back in the game however,
than Youghal had the ball in the back of the net at the other side on
the stroke of half time.
Aghada came out battling in the second half. On 5 minutes Josh and Day
combined to release O’Connor again and this time he crashed home
a terrific goal. 1-8 V 1-5 and Aghada were back in it. Once again though,
any brief hope was quickly banished by a superior Youghal outfit and
3 minutes later they had their 2nd goal. 2 more points were added before
James Daly earned a free which O’Connor converted to leave it
2-10 V 1-6 with 18 minutes remaining. Once again Youghal responded to
an Aghada score in ruthless fashion and they pounced for their 3rd major,
all be it after a couple of mix ups in the Aghada defence. The game
was up for Aghada now. Youghal tacked on another point on 17 minutes
and there were to be no more scores until conciliation Aghada free on
30 minutes from O’Connor. He, Josh O’Shea, Eoin Healy, and
Shane Wall stood out most for Aghada, who simply were short too many
1st choice players on the night. Aghada Team and Scorers – Chris
Cashman, Willie O’Shea, Andrew O’Donoghue, David Condon,
Aiden O’Connell, Eoin Savage, Shane Wall (0-1), Eoin Healy, Seamus
O Gorman, Tommy Dobbyn, Josh O’Shea (0-1), James Daly, Mathew
O’Connor (1-3, 2f), Finbarr Day (0-2f), Ronan Kennedy. Subs Used
– Cian Fleming, John O’Brien, Michael Daly, and Luke O’Keeffe.
Sat 26th Sept U21 B H C Aghada 1-7 Cloyne 3-11
Our U21 Hurlers bowed out of this year’s championship after been
well beaten by our near neighbours in Shanagarry on Sat evening last.
In a game in which we never got going us soon found ourselves 2 goals
behind after making a poor start to the game. From that point on we
were chasing the game but this was always going to be hard work against
a very skilful and well organized Cloyne outfit. We battled very bravely
through out and with some impressive displays from Kenneth Higgins and
John O Brien we fought till the end and a late goal from Georgio put
a bit of respectability on the score board. Team - John O’Brien,
Willie O'Shea, Andrew O'Donoghue, James Daly, Aiden O'Connell, Shane
Wall, Eoin Savage, Michael Russell, Finbarr Day, Tommy Dobbyn, Eoin
Healy, Seamus O'Gormain, Ronan Kennedy, Cian Fleming Alan Creedon. Subs
used Kenneth Higgins, Conor Rice, and Georgio Corigliano.
Premier 2 Minor Football County Champ – Aghada 0-13 V Fr. O’Neill’s
1-9
This year in both football and hurling the Aghada minors are taking
part in a county rather than East Cork competition in both league and
championship. Strangely enough then we still managed to draw our East
Cork neighbours O’Neill’s in the 1st round of the championship.
Played in Castlemartyr on the 5th of April this was a titanic struggle
from start to finish. A strong wind blew down towards the dressing room
end and favoured O’Neills in the opening half. With Eoin Healy
dominating around the middle and Michael Russell starting well at full
forward Aghada kept themselves well in the game despite the breeze.
It was 3 points a piece midway through the 1st quarter when O’Neills
scored a goal via a deflection past the Aghada ‘keeper. Aghada
responded well. Russell fisted a point when he connected with Chris
Cashman’s floated ’45. Next Healy scored a fine individual
score before Russell again pointed Aghada back on level terms with 10
minutes to go to the break. Now however O’Neills took over the
midfield battle and with their forwards clicking into gear, they rattled
off 5 points to just a Russell free in response for the last 10 minutes.
At the break Aghada were 4 points down and their supporters were wondering
just how big the wind advantage would be.
Aghada dominated the second half, but found the O’Neills defence
extremely difficult to break down. Russell and 2 Ronan Kennedy frees
plus a fine 2nd from Healy versus one from O’Neills had the gap
down to just a point with a quarter to play. However the scores then
dried up for Aghada as O’Neills put up the shutters and defended
mightily. Having said that on one of their few attacks in the 2nd half,
Aghada were very grateful to Raymond Savage for making a super save
in the Aghada goal. There was only 5 minutes to play, when wing forward
David Rice kicked over the equaliser and 2 minutes latter, wing back
Tommy Dobbyn, who excelled throughout, put Aghada into the lead for
the 1st and only time in the match. And as it turned out, it was the
most important lead of the day as the referee’s whistle sounded
soon after and Aghada were through to the 3rd round. O’Neills
can avail of the back door which has been introduced at this level and
its possible these sides could cross paths again before the year is
out. Aghada Team & scorers – Raymond Savage, Brian Condon,
Andrew O’Donoghue, Georgio Corigliano, Tommy Dobbyn (0-1), Eoin
Savage, Michael Daly, Eoin Healy (0-2), Chris Cashman, David Rice (0-1),
Seamus O’Gorman, John O’Brien, Ronan Kennedy (0-2 f), Michael
Russell (0-6, 3f), Michael Desmond (0-1). Subs used Barry Cashman, Gearóid
Murphy.
Tue 21st July Ulster Bank Premier 2 Hurling Championship
Aghada 4-18 Donoughmore 3-21 a.e.t
It was like old times. A team that never gave up fought and won more
battles when all was lost. U12 against St. Catherine’s 6 points
down and as many minutes left in the 1st round of East Cork. Drew the
game won the replay and went all the way to a county final only to lose
in a replay. Up A at u14 what a match against Carrigtwohill in the Feile
and so on. The 1st half was tame enough as we found it hard to score.
Healy rattled the net to lead after 4 minutes but we had to wait till
the 19th m to score again when Healy popped over a point. In between
Doughmore’s full forward gave an exhibition of free taking that
Ben O’ Connor would be proud of. One from all of 80 yards two
65th left and right of the field, 5 in total. Indeed he was to score
1-6 out of Doughmore’s 1-8 up to half time. Aghada struggled to
stay in touch. A fine William Leahy point brought it back to a two point
game but on the 31st minute came the afore mentioned goal that should
have rattled Aghada who went in at the short whistle down 1-8 to 1-2.
On resumption the game exploded as Aghada hit 3 points in as many minutes.
Game on. Donoughmore came back and by the 14th m were again in control
2-11 to 1-8. Then we had a bit of luck when a shot from sub Raymond
Savage found the net from long range. A point from Gerard O’Brien
and we were back to 2. Donoughmore added two as Gerard O’Brien
put over his second from the puck out Ronan Kennedy rattled the net
to level matters on the 59th m. Not to be out done Donoughmore hit the
front only for Russell to earn extra time with a mighty placed ball
on the 62nd m. final score 3-11 to 2-14
So on to extra time and by now the hurling was fast and furious Russell
again pointed to answer a Donoughmore one. On the 3rd m Russell placed
ball hit the upright and the alert Leahy made no mistake. What excitement
as we hit the front running. Two more points from Russell and one from
Kennedy had Aghada 4-15 to 2-18 ahead at the brake.
On resumption it was score for score as Aghada kept a 4 point advantage
then came the goal, back to a one point game. Donoughmore then got a
free on the 65 and fair play to the full forward he made no mistake
and its back again next Friday. What a hurling game as both teams gave
it their all. Final score 4-18 to 3-21. Team - Dave Rice, Georgio Corigliano,
Andrew O’Donoghue, Gearóid Murphy, Kenneth Higgins, Eoin
Savage, Seamus O’Gormain, Michael Russell (0-6 frees), Brian Condon
,Ronan Kennedy (1-1) Eoin Healy (1-5), Tim Hartnett ,Willie Leahy (1-3),
John O’Brien (0-1), Michael Desmond, Subs Raymond Savage (1-0),
Ger O’Brien (0-2), Pádraig Mulry, Michael Daly.
Fri 13th Mar East Cork Junior Football Championship
Aghada 1-8 Glanmire 0-8
Aghada got this year’s football championship off to a fine start
when they had a goal to spare over a very strong Glanmire team under
lights in Carrigtwohill on Friday night. Having decided to play with
the wind Aghada were first to score when a sweeping move from corner
back up the field resulted in John O Connor scoring the opening point
on 8 mins. Shortly after Aghada took command of the game when Matt O
Connor ghosted through the Glanmire defence to slot home a wonderful
goal. Sean O Donoghue popped up from midfield with another fine point
from play and a free from Mark Lewis made it 1-3 to 0-0 after quarter
of an hour. Glanmire came back into it and two fine points from play
cut the margin. A 45 from Mark Lewis and a well taken fisted point from
Mick Russell opened up a bit of a cushion for Aghada. Glanmire got one
more point from play before half time to leave the scores at half time
1-5 to 0-3 in favour of Aghada. A great run and point from wing back
Paudie Wall got Aghada off to a perfect start in the second half. From
this Glanmire charged into the game and kicked 3 unanswered points to
put the pressure back on Aghada. In the 44th min a free from Mark Lewis
seemed to settle Aghada. An off the ball incident in which Paudie "
Ronaldo” Wall went down saw Glanmire being reduced to 14 men.
Another Mark free gave Aghada a cushion of 5 points going into the last
five minutes but 2 quick points from Glanmire saw the deficit cut to
just a goal with a few minutes remaining. It was all hands on deck as
we had to keep them out and it took a flying save from full back Conor
Rice from a free kick at the end to see Aghada safely into the next
round.
Team: Andrew O' Donoghue, Brian Wall, Conor Rice, Shane Wall, Paudie
Wall, John Wall (captain), Declan Morrissey, Sean O Donoghue, Aidan
Kelleher, Michael Russell, Stephen O Keeffe, John O Connor, Matt O Connor,
John Connolly, Mark Lewis.
Fri 14th Aug J B H C replay
Aghada 3-16 Youghal 1-11
Aghada make no mistake second time round.
Goals at vital times turned this game for Aghada. The 1st came just
before the short whistle, with Youghal leading by two points playing
with a strong wind. Dave Creedon plucked the ball out of the sky and
planted it to give Aghada the lead for the 1st time. The second and
third came just after resumption when the other Creedon, Alan struck
for the two. The second was a gem when he soloed in and then with no
room to swing the hurl he kicked to the net. Aghada never looked back
after this and ran out handy winners. But before the goals it was nip
and tuck with some great scores from both sides. Youghal raced into
a 4 point to one lead mainly due to the efforts of Gary Kelly who was
flying at centre forward. Aghada switched Eoin Savage on Kelly and his
influence waned while up front for Aghada Tony Wall landed five points
to keep Aghada in touch.
Team Mickey Lewis, Stephen Cashman, Eoin Cotter, Declan Kearney, Eoin
Savage, Billy Hennessy, Aiden O’Connell,
Alan Walsh, Anthony Connolly (0-2), John Wall (0-1), Mark Lewis (0-4)
1 from a sideline, Dave Condon (0-1),Dave Creedon (1-1), Tony Wall (0-6),
Alan Creedon (2-1),Subs used
Declan Morrissey, Shane Morrissey, Davie O’Hanlon, Cathal O Gorman.
Tue 24th Nov J F L Div 3 Final
Aghada 0-8 Castlelyons 0-7
Aghada’s Junior B’s won this hard fought game at the death
after missing a free in normal time to win the game. Eoin O’ Neill
pointed but the ref blew the whistle as the ball crossed the bar and
he was awarded a free instead which he missed. Castlelyons dominated
the opening half playing with the wind and led at the short whistle
by 4 points to 1 Aghada’s only score was an Eoin O’Neill
point after being set up by Ken O’Keeffe. On the turn around Aghada
took the game to the Castlelyons boys. Michael Lewis came on corner
forward and made a difference straight away. O’Neill pointed two
dead balls in as many minutes to leave the bare minimum between the
sides. A great point from Mickey levelled matters as Aghada turned the
screw. O’Neill put Aghada in front for the 1st time with ten minutes
left. Castlelyons rallied and two points on the trot had them in front
coming down the home straight. Aghada fought back to level matters at
six points all. Them came the afore mentioned free and on to extra time.
Castlelyons had the wind to their backs for the first half and applied
the pressure but a single point was their lot but only for the intervention
of capt Billy Hennessy it was curtains as a sure goal looked on. Aghada
failed to score up to the brake. On resumption Finbarr Day took over
kicking duties and he levelled matters with five minutes left. The game
by now was at fever pitch as both side spilled ball due to the conditions.
The play was up and down the field at a fierce rate despite the weather
as both sides strived for the winner. Aghada got the chance with a free
as extra time was up but it drifted wide and one thought it was off
to Castlelyons next Sunday but with 3 minutes of injury time gone Aghada
were awarded a free. This time Finbarr made no mistake and that was
that.
Hard on Castlelyons as it could easily have been a draw. Great credit
to both sides that gave it all on a wet and slippery field. It is along
time since Eoin O’Neill was the youngest in the full forward line.
Kenneth at one side and Mickey on the other side, a total of 119 years.
What a line. Team –
Chris Cashman, David O’Hanlon, Billy Hennessy (capt), Alan Walsh,
Aiden O’Connell, Stephen Cashman, Paddy O’Connor,
Eoin Savage, Nigel Berry, Willie O’Shea, Finbarr Day (0-2f), Martin
Day, Kenneth O’Keeffe, Eoin O’Neill (0-5 three frees), Richard
Condon. Subs Used Tommy Dobbyn, Declan Morrissey, Michael Lewis (0-1),
Kenneth Higgins. Other subs on the night – Mark O’Brien,
Eugene Buckley.
Useful numbers and information
Aghada Gaa - Main Club Sponsor
Aghada Gaa – Adult section
Chairman – Robin Triggs – 087 2138780
Secretary - Barry Day – 086 8075050
Website – www.aghadagaa.com
Aghada Gaa – Juvenile Section
Chairman – Pat O’Connell – 086 8033802
Secretary – Martin Day – 085 1189255
Aghada Ladies Football Club
All information from Secretary Theresa Looney -087 2310944
Aghada Club Shop – Selling a wide range of clothing gear, including
coats, jackets, jumpers, polo shirts, tracksuits etc, also gear bags
all with Aghada club crest. Also Hurley’s and full facemask helmets
available.
For more information contact Robin Triggs on 087 2138780.
For upcoming fixtures during the season see website, local papers,
and Lotto sign in Saleen or Lotto poster on display in pubs and shops
locally.
For Intercounty match tickets –
Members – normal procedure is to ring the club secretary at home
and your name will be recorded as looking for ticket(s). This should
happen at least a week before the match. Available tickets are then
distributed on the Thursday night previous to the game from clubrooms
in Rostellan
Other sources of tickets are – www.Ticketmaster.ie.
East Cork Board - Website – www.eastcorkgaa.com
Cork County G.A.A. Board - 021 4963311. Website – www.gaacork.ie
Cumman Lúthchleas Gael – Website – www.gaa.ie
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